Applying grubGONE! in the fall when the grubs are at their most damaging reduces the need for a spring application. Cutting down on the number of grubs feeding now will mean there aren’t as many beetles next season to lay the eggs that become fodder for moles and other rodents. Plus, there will be fewer grubs gnawing on your important turf roots in the next cycle.
That’s why it’s important to target grubs during the fall every year.
How to know when you have a grub problem
Grubs do most of their damage underground to the vital root systems that keep lawns healthy, so it’s important to keep an eye out for warning signs:
- Increased mole and skunk activity
If you notice moles and skunks prowling your lawn more than usual, it could mean that they’ve detected an elevated number of grubs. That’s a feast for them and a problem for you. Treating your grub problem will help keep away larger pests like skunks and moles.
- Birds digging in your lawn
Many birds dine on grubs as well. If you catch them rooting through your lawn for a snack, it may mean you have too many grubs in your soil.
- Check a one square foot patch of grass
You can also try cutting a one foot by one foot square of turf around three sides and rolling it up to expose the roots and see for yourself. If you find five or more grubs in one square foot, you might have an infestation on your hands. It would be a good time to apply grubGONE! Grubs are a natural part of the environment. One or two grubs in 1 square foot of turf doesn’t require treatment.
Seeing increased bird, mole, and skunk activity but not finding many grubs in your root system could mean they’re feasting on worms instead. If secondary damage from moles is a problem, consider repelling the moles directly. We recommend I Must Garden Mole and Vole Repellent which comes in both liquid and granular varieties. Both will repel pesky rodents without harming them or other species.
